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Parker: 'Spain was the Spurs, and I was on the other side'

REUTERS/Jim Young

Tony Parker felt like he was looking in the mirror during his final international appearance.

Spain thoroughly dismantled Parker's French side to qualify for the semifinals on Wednesday, and after the game, the San Antonio Spurs mainstay paid the utmost respect to France's bitter rivals.

"I felt like Spain was the Spurs and I was on the other side," Parker told reporters in Rio de Janiero.

The comparison to San Antonio lends to Spain's style of play. La Roja spread the floor beautifully, moved the ball with purpose, and executed their sets with meticulous precision.

Spain assisted on 71 percent of their field goals on Wednesday, with each member of their starting five recording at least two helpers.

As it happens, the Spaniards were led by newly signed Spurs center Pau Gasol, who struggled from the field but chipped in with an all-around performance of five points, eight rebounds, three assists, and three blocks. The two Spurs teammates met up for a quick chat after the game.

The quarterfinal matchup also ended 92-67 in favor of Spain, and what's more Spursian than a ho-hum blowout victory?

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